It’s a Long Shot, But Lottery Players Reach For $400 Million Powerball Jackpot

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(CNN) — Dating a supermodel. Becoming an astronaut. Simultaneously being struck by lightning and attacked by a shark.

The chance of any or all of that happening to you is probably greater than winning Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing.

Still, millions are buying up tickets, thinking more about the dream than the odds. “I do it because I have a slight chance,” said Fabrizo, a New Yorker who gave only his first name. “I think if I won, I’d quit my job for sure, even without notice.”

It’s a safe bet that Fabrizio will be at work Thursday.

Powerball fever is back in a big way, with Wednesday evening’s jackpot estimated at $400 million, with a cash value of $223 million, the Multi-State Lottery Association said.

It’s the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The biggest in American history was $665 million in the Mega Millions game in March 2012. The greatest Powerball jackpot was the $590.5 million won with a single ticket in Florida this past May.